Packing list for Dominican Republic, travel insurance for Dominican Republic and taking your belongings

What to take to the Dominican Republic: brief

To pack and check

• Documents and money: a passport valid for at least another 6 months. Upon arrival, you usually need to have completed a digital E-ticket. The local currency is the Dominican peso (DOP). Credit cards are accepted in many places, but cash remains handy.
• Personal care and hygiene: sunscreen with a high SPF. The Caribbean sun gets to you quickly.
• Clothing: light, airy clothing for the hot tropical climate. A thin cardigan or raincoat can be useful during the rainy season or in the mountains around Jarabacoa and Constanza, where it can cool down considerably in the evening. Some resorts have a dress code requiring smart clothing.
• Shoes: flip-flops for the beaches and resorts. Water shoes are useful because of coral, rocks, and sea urchins. Good hiking boots or trail shoes for waterfalls, mountain areas, and nature parks.
• Packing and protection: waterproof bag or rain cover for your small backpack for excursions, boat trips, and tropical rain showers. The Dominican Republic has a tropical climate with a hurricane and rainy season. Electronics, documents, and clothing can get quite wet during unexpected downpours.
• Insects and animals: a set of mosquito repellents.
• Medicines and travel first-aid kit: first-aid kit with bandages, oral rehydration solution (ORS), painkillers, anti-diarrhea medication, and insect bite remedies.
• Outdoors and handy items: sunglasses, a hat or cap, a quick-drying towel, and a reusable water bottle.
• Technology and equipment: a universal adapter for Type A and B sockets.
• Safety and theft: a money belt or secure storage for your passport, phone, and cash.

To consider

• Snorkel set for coral reefs.
• UV-protective shirt for snorkeling and boat trips.
• Waterproof phone case.
• An international driving license if you want to rent a car or scooter. Binoculars for whale watching (between January and March around Samaná).

Are there mosquitoes in the Dominican Republic?

• Mosquitoes are present all year round in the Dominican Republic. They particularly thrive in damp areas, after rainfall, and around stagnant water.
• Dengue, chikungunya, and Zika occur in the Dominican Republic, including in tourist areas. Good protection against mosquitoes is therefore advisable, both during the day and in the evening.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in the Dominican Republic?

• Sandflies occur on some beaches, mangroves, and coastal areas. These little critters are especially active around sunrise and sunset and love windless days.
• Their bites can itch for days, or even weeks, but fortunately, your set of mosquito repellents can provide relief.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in the Dominican Republic?

• DEET and other mosquito repellents can be found at pharmacies, supermarkets, and tourist shops.
• Well-known chains such as Sirena, Jumbo, and local pharmacies sell various brands. OFF! is one of the most popular products.
• If you are going to remote areas, it is wise to stock up sufficiently beforehand.
• See also DEET mosquito repellents and the percentages.

Can you buy a joint or weed in the Dominican Republic, or bring it to the Dominican Republic?

• The Dominican Republic has one of the strictest anti-drug laws in the Caribbean. Cannabis is illegal and there is an absolute zero-tolerance policy.
• Weed is sometimes offered to tourists on the beaches, but this can be a dangerous trap that can lead to hefty bribes or imprisonment.
• Therefore, there are severe penalties for possession, use, sale, and importation of (soft)drugs.